optimal exercise frequency

Ask Women's Health: Is It Okay to Work Out Three Days in a Row

Your most pressing fitness, health, and life questions, answered

Ask Women's Health: Is It Okay to Work Out Three Days in a RowYour most pressing fitness, health, and life questions, answered

Ture Lillegraven

Is it OK to work out three days in a row for my weekly exercise?—Alyssa, Las Vegas, NV
It's better to space out your sessions, says Mike Bracko, Ed.D., an exercise physiologist in Calgary, Alberta. "If you work out three days in a row, then you have four days of rest, during which you can undo the good you did on your active days—like strength and endurance gains." Ideally, you should exercise every other day, so on days off your muscles can recover and rebuild. But if back-to-back workouts are unavoidable, try cardio one day, strength training the next, and try not to target the same muscles (like your biceps and triceps) two days in succession.

Can I drink water that has been in my water bottle for over 24 hours?—Leanna, Columbia, SC
There have been some concerns that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic water bottles could leach into the water if the bottle has been left in a hot place (like a car). It's unclear whether exposure to BPA has any long-term consequences, but we do know that the water might taste bad because of the chemicals, says Peter C. Iwen, Ph.D., a professor of pathology and microbiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Opt instead for a BPA-free reusable water bottle that you clean after each use. Then your water will be safe and tasty, even after 24 hours, says Iwen.

What's the best way to turn down a job offer without burning a bridge?—Abby, Hartford, CT
Call the hiring manager as soon as you know the job isn't right for you, and definitely within two or three days of receiving the offer, says Anita Attridge, a career and executive coach with the Five O'Clock Club, a career coaching company. After thanking them for the opportunity, tell them honestly, but politely, why you won't be accepting the position (you feel you won't be able to meet your long-term career goals or you received a more competitive offer). "Employers know not everyone will accept a position that is offered to them," says Attridge. "However, being sincere about why this is not the right position for you increases your creditability with them." End the call by reiterating your thanks, and close by saying you'd appreciate it if they would keep you in mind for other positions for which you may be qualified.

How Safe is an UNDERWIRE Bra? It's totally safe, says Katherine Lee, M.D., a breast cancer expert at the Cleveland Clinic. "People thought that because the wires in the bra can compress breast tissue, wearing one could block lymphatic drainage—which has been linked to breast cancer," says Lee. But no scientific studies support this claim. So strap up!